Arsenal transfer target to miss months of action after surgery

Arsenal transfer target Eli Junior Kroupi is set to miss months of action after undergoing surgery, according to multiple reports.

The Frenchman had an operation on his foot after suffering an injury during Bournemouth's pre-season trip to Austria and is now likely to miss three to four months of action, making him unavailable until around October or November.

Kroupi had been a subject of transfer interest from the Gunners, but it looks like any move away from the South Coast will have to wait at least until the next window once he is fully recovered.

Eli Junior Kroupi to miss months of action after surgery

Kroupi enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season for Bournemouth, scoring 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances to help his side qualify for Europe for the first time and highlight himself as one of the division's hottest prospects, prompting plenty of clubs to show an interest in signing him this summer.

Arsenal were one of those sides as they listed him as a potential option in their attempts to bolster their attack while Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and North London rivals Tottenham were also named as possible suitors.

However, Bournemouth were adamant in their stance that the France youth international is not for sale and it does look as if he will be staying put past the summer following his foot surgery.

Having suffered the injury during the Cherries' pre-season training camp, he returned to the UK to have his operation before beginning his recovery that will see him out of action until close to the busy Christmas period.

However, there is a chance he could be back in time to face the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium in December. Kroupi will be hoping to add to his impressive tally of strikes against Mikel Arteta's side, having managed two goals against them last season.

It's disappointing to know that the young talent won't be joining Arsenal, at least for this summer, as he had potential to join the likes of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira as yet another brilliant French star to represent the North Londoners.

The Gunners may decide to revisit their interest in January or next summer, but even if they don't, Kroupi still has a place in the heart of many fans across the capital having struck against Manchester City in the 1-1 draw that handed Arteta's side the Premier League title in May.

For now though, Arsenal will be forced to move on from another transfer target after turning down the chance to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and being dealt a huge blow in their attempts to sign Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow